I enjoy the prospect of naturally amplifying string instruments which is why I like resonator banjos and National guitars. Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix has tons of different kinds of innovations from people trying to make traditional instruments louder. The creation that caught my imagination the most was the Strohviol.

Not only does it look down right badass but it also looks like it would have an interesting timbre with the increase volume from the metal horn.

Turns out… it does sound awesome. Take a listen –

The horn definitely adds a lot to the timbre of the Strohviol creating a more metallic sound while increasing the volume over the violin. It sounds as though this video was taken in a courtyard with high walls so even a violin would be louder here but the overall tone of the Strohviol is noticeable.

I’d love to experiment with this on some of my recordings in the future. I’d have to have a violinist friend because every attempt of mine to play a bowed instrument sounds like an old cat in pain.

This instrument also inspires me to create something similar and make a resonating instrument (with a horn or not). It definitely would not be something as sophisticated as the Strohviol but fun to “fiddle” around with none the less (bad pun, I know).

The Strohviol was invented by Augustus Stroh, an apprentice watchmaker from Germany in the 19th century. The instrument was used in some concert halls and was also used in some jazz performances. This technique and engineering was eventually used in the Dobro and National guitars.

Click here to learn more about the Strohviol. This website is not the biggest fan of the sound but I like it no matter what they say.